I am thankful for...
my husband Al,
my family, my friends,
my agent Mark McVeigh,
my editor Steve Meltzer,
chocolate cupcakes with white icing,
fine French champagne, sushi,
Maui Jim sunglasses, Mephisto sandals,
being an American,
the SCBWI, my writers' group,
watercolor sketchbooks,
my Big Bertha driver,
costume contests,
our two kitties, Toulouse & Monet,
our puppy Honey, gardenias, good health,
my i-phone 4
and yoga.
Happy Thanksgiving!
As it is for most kids, Halloween was one of my favorite holidays when I was growing up. Dressing up, getting free candy and carving pumpkins... What could be better than that? All I needed was a pair of good shoes to cover the miles. I only stopped between houses to gobble up a few choice goodies. I still love to put on a costume and go trick-or-treating with the kids. And I still gobble up my favorite candy all night long.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Labor Day reminds me of the end of summer, maybe a new school uniform instead of a hand-me-down, and the possibility of liking my teacher. Which didn't happen often.
Let's wave the flag for all of us who labor so hard on jobs we like and even jobs we hate. And to those who teach our children, keep us in good health and risk their lives to keep us safe, a very special thank you.
Happy Labor Day!
I have been lucky enough to travel and see some truly remarkable places. Venice, Italy is one such place. I have been there several times, and I am always struck by its Disney-esque quality. The picture here is a giant wall painting I did of a view from Saint Mark's Square. It was featured in an art show but I didn't have the heart to sell it. Now and forever it hangs in my home.
For the past seven years I have fed my inner ham by dressing up for my one performance art act of the year, at the SCBWI Summer Conference. The theme this year was vague: "40 Winks." Most people will probably show up in their pj's, but I wanted to do something from children's literature. And who doesn't love the Tooth Fairy, who exchanges teeth for coins in the dark of night when kids are catching their forty winks? I look forward to the conference and all its opportunities for networking, workshops and revisiting old friendships. In these distressing times, a writing conference is solice for my creative soul.
Fireworks, hot dogs and flags-a-flying is what the Fourth of July means to me.
We are fortunate to live in a great country where our votes count.
Enjoy your family, enjoy the day and enjoy the picnic of life in America.
From the very beginning, from the birth of our nation, men and women have come forward to serve their country. They go, they sacrifice...and some never return.
Today we remember them. Today we thank them. And today we pray, for those who continue to serve in the most dangerous of places, a safe journey home.
We all want to do something to help Japan. My good friend, music therapist, Yoshiko Yeto helped organise an auction fund raiser for the quake-stricken area of Japan. Here is the information.
Kenji's Light of Hope art sale, a fundraiser will benefit The Igari Music Therapy Research Center (MTRC) in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. The art sale at http://www.etsy.com/shop/KenjisLightOfHope?ref=pr_shop.
Some of the featured artists and musicians include: Alice Cohen, Phil Franklin, Georg Gatsas, Sam Henderson, Tim Hensley, Nigey Lennon, Naoki Mitsuse, Richard Sala, and Christine Shields.
Continue reading "Kenji's Light of Hope Art Sale - Help elderly in quake-stricken Japan." »
When Mark McVeigh, then an editor at Dutton, aquired HANGING OFF JEFFERSON'S NOSE: GROWING UP ON MOUNT RUSHMORE at my regional SCBWI Writer's Day in 2005, little did I know the journey I'd begun! The last six years have been amazing.
Between now and then I've become a kidlit blogger, acquired a new editor (the wonderful Steve Meltzer), written an article on Blog Tours and Book Trailers for CWIM 2010, been a faculty member at the SCBWI summer conference and acquired an agent, the inspiring Mark McVeigh. Yes, the same Mark McVeigh who first saw the promise in my manuscript and bought it!
My nonfiction picture book about Lincoln Borglum, the son of Mount Rushmore sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, started at Dutton but is now at Dial after a reorganization of the two houses. Dutton handles YA and middle grade novels and all picture books go to Dial. Here's a sketch of the cover by illustrator Sally Wern Comport. And after six long years I finally have a release date! I can't wait to find out where else this journey will take me by the time May 2012 rolls around.
Happy
Easter,
Passover,
Spring Break,
or whatever it is
you celebrate
with
family
and friends!
I am so pleased to announce that I signed today with agent Mark McVeigh of THE McVEIGH AGENCY. Mark was the editor who acquired my picture book about Mount Rushmore at an SCBWI Writer's Day in 2005. After he left Dutton we kept in touch, and I was not surprised when he branched out and started an agency. I am thrilled to be part of his prestigious list of clients and I look forward to many years of working together.
What's the number one place for doggies to vacation? Carmel, California. This is the most dog friendly, pooch happy, puppy loving town. Dogs are allowed everywhere, including restaurants, hotels and stores.
There is a gorgeous, off - leash, two mile dog beach that overlooks Pebble Beach golf course. We like to stay at Doris Day's hotel, the Cypress Inn. Star loves the soft dog bed in the rooms.
October is Breast Cancer awareness month. Every year I play in and support Rally for a Cure. A charity golf tournament for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. Here I am pictured with my golfing partners, Leandra Matter, Dee Levy and Diane McCrossen. Congratulations to the tournament chairpersons, Leslie Fair, Diane Perez, Dee Fairbanks and Leandra Matter for a job well done. Today they raised well over 42 grand!
A few weeks ago, we were invited to a book signing of May Pang's beautiful new book, Instamatic Karma, photographs of John Lennon. May Pang was John Lennon's girlfriend for the two years that he had split from Yoko. May lived with him in L.A. and spent those years photographing their lives. My husband Al Coury, who ran Capitol Records, had worked with John Lennon during that time. May included a picture of Al with John in the book.
An American Icon passed away earlier this year. Singer and songwriter, John Stewart, entertained us for generations. He was part of the Kingston Trio, had a successful solo career, and wrote songs for many other performers. My husband, Al Coury, had worked with him as part of the Trio and during his solo career. We were touched to be invited to the private memorial concert held in his honor. Actors, musicians and artists filled the stage to perform his songs and reminisce about John's remarkable life. The talented John Stewart will be miss by all.
Happy
Cinco De Mayo!
Time to brag. Last week I was in Washington D.C. with my husband, Al Coury, who was given a life time achievement award. Al was in rock-n-roll for 37 years.
He was honored with General John Abazaid at huge banquet with Ambassadors, Congressmen, Senators and other generals. One of my favorite persons was there in attendance. Mr. Ralph Nader. Being pushy me I snapped a photo with him. I reminded Ralph that he did an interview for my children's literature blog. He was polite and said he remembered. It was a thrilling night.
Congrats to my hubby who deserved all the acclaim.
If you live in L.A., or plan to visit this holiday season, be sure to catch the mile long DWP Festival of Lights in Griffith Park that runs until January 1st. A Christmas lights spectacular of all the highlights of Los Angeles. It is so cool. You can ride through in your car or park at the zoo and do it on foot. I recommend a thermos of hot chocolate and good deal of holiday cheer to enjoy this corny, but entertaining sea of lights. The best part? It is free!
One of the coolest places to visit is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Built on historic Cannery Row, this state of the art living museum is a fabulous day for adults and kids alike. With sea otters, kelp forests, giant octopus, jelly art, great white shark , just to name a few of the exhibits. There is sting ray petting zoo, a kids zone, where the tike's can don on fins and flippers to learn about the sea animals and of course feedings show at all the tanks. Located in one of the most breathtaking parts of the world, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is magic.
God Bless the Boston Redsox for winning the pennant. My husband is from Massachusetts, so I am part of the Redsox Nation by marriage. We are one happy family this week as we cheer them on to win the World Series.
We Won! It was a sweep! We Won!
I have a some amazing relatives that have devoted themselves to charitable work . Some have adopted an Orphanage in Honduras, some, on their vacations have dug wells for 3rd-world villages and one in particular, started a charity that brings small comfort to children in need. Many years ago Susie Finch decided to make blankets for sick kids and the Binky Patrol was born. In honor of National Make-a-Difference day in October the Binky Patrol holds it's 12th annual Bink-A-Thon. A nation- wide event to make as many blankets that they can in one day. I am proud that my cousin Susie agreed to be interviewed for the blog.
When and Why did you start the Binky Patrol?
In 1996 I had a failing business and a failed marriage. I was on the pity pot. In the back of my head I remembered my mom teaching me that when you feel sorry for yourself and it's all muddled up do something for someone else.
I'm one of the crazy people who likes to dress up their dog and go Trick-O-Treating with the kids. Last year I was Captain Pink Sash and the Pirate Dog. You'd be surprised how many costumed dogs we see in the streets that night. I painted a skull and cross bones on the side of Star that didn't come off for 3 months! People were stopping me all the time asking where I had it done. It made me consider starting a temporary tattoo business for dogs.
There are many events in October for Breast Cancer Awareness month. For years I have played in a golf tournament, RALLY FOR THE CURE , sponsored by local golf clubs and Golf for Women magazine that benefited the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. 
This terrible disease has become a manageable disease due to the generosity of doctors, donors and volunteers. I
golf with some remarkable women and survivors. Their hard work and
determination made this the most successful tournament ever raising over
$34,000.00 in one day!!!
Continue reading "Rally for a Cure - Breast Cancer Awareness Month" »
Governor Victor Atiyeh and his lovely wife Dolores have been our dear friends for over 20 years. The Gov, as we like to call him, was two term governor of Oregon from 1979-1987. Beloved by the Oregonians, today they decided to honor him by naming an airport after him. We were delighted to attend the dedication celebration of the
Governor Victor G. Atiyeh International Concourse.
A wonderful party with many dignitaries, Congressmen, Senators, and of course me, the goofy kids author from L.A.
This is Diane Perez, my golfing buddy, team partner and friend. She is a great inspiration to all that know her. Upbeat, giving and determined to make a difference.
Today, Diane and her family gave a memorial tea for the American Cancer Society, in honor of her sister, Sandie Romero, who passed away from cancer earlier this year.
In a world full of calamity and strife it is so easy to feel powerless to help. But Diane reminds me that every effort makes a difference, we can make what we do count and we can change the world.
The American Cancer Society is a great charity. Imagine
what they could do if every American donated 10 bucks!
Continue reading "The American Cancer Society-Memorial Tea" »
Today is my anniversary and it reminded me of our honeymoon. My husband, Al, took me to Giverny to see Monet's house and studio. I was blown away. I love the impressionist and found this a spiritual experience and a good omen of our wonderful marriage to come. My husband made major brownie points that he's still cashing in after all these years.
On the left is a photo of a young skinny me on the famous Japanese foot bridge.
Today is my mom's birthday.
Carmen Nichols is known as "the Rock" by her children and grandchildren for her deep faith in God, undying love of family and a fondness for quarter slot machines.
She instilled a voracious appetite for reading in her children and a family tradition of passing around a good book.
Mom, thanks for bailing me out when I got in trouble with the nuns. Thanks for buying me that expensive prom dress and for making me take typing in summer school. Happy Birthday Mom, you are the best!
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